Obaseki’s Celebration Of Chief Tom Ikimi On His 80th Birthday Was A Worthy Recognition Of A Statesman
The Oasis Reporters
April 18, 2024
L-R: Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Tom Ikimi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; representative of Delta State Governor and Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, and former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, during the 80th birthday thanksgiving of High Chief Tom Ikimi, in Benin City, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Tom Ikimi, during a reception in celebration of the 80th birthday of High Chief Tom Ikimi, in Benin City, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
When the story of Nigeria’s journey from the early days of taking democracy into the hands of the people away from the military, Chief Tom Ikimi would be recognized.
He was the chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of the two new political parties that were allowed to compete and midwife democracy after many years of the military in power.
And he joined in doing his best to give the nation it’s first free and fair election for the first time. Even though the military under Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida annulled it because he didn’t want to leave the political stage as a military dictator, it showed what the people can do.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki thus felicitated with a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Tom Ikimi, on his 80th birthday.
Obaseki in a statement said, “I congratulate Chief Tom Ikimi, elder statesman and a great leader of our party, on the occasion of your 80th birthday and pray that God grants you wisdom and strength to contribute to the growth and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.
“A cerebral leader, you distinguished yourself as an Architect, politician and businessman, serving our nation at every given opportunity with a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to effect change and inspire hope.
“From your days of little beginnings, you have maintained astounding brilliance and a commitment to noble ideals that have continued to distinguish you as a committed leader who cares for the advancement of society.”
The governor added, “A worthy son of Edo State, you have continued to show the indomitable Edo spirit and the core virtues of hard work, diligence and enterprise.
“I congratulate you on your 80th birthday and pray for many more years of good health and wisdom.”
